Reporting guidelines

All States parties submit regular reports to the Committee on the legislative, judicial, administrative or other measures they have adopted. States parties are also required to report to the Committee on difficulties they meet, if any, in implementing each provision of the Convention. Reports should not only focus on measures they plan to take to overcome these difficulties, but also on what has been achieved during the reporting period.

States submit their first report one year after ratifying the Convention, and every two years thereafter, or whenever requested by the Committee. The Committee examines each report and addresses its concerns and recommendations to the State party in the form of "concluding observations”.

Guidelines for reporting to CERD

These reporting guidelines advise States parties on the form and content of their reports, to ensure reports to the Committee are comprehensive and presented in a uniform manner.

• Guidelines for the CERD-specific document to be submitted by States parties under article 9, paragraph 1 of the convention CERD/C/2007/1
• About follow-ups to concluding observations
• Additional guidelines and tools for treaty body reporting (all treaty bodies)

Tips and advice

States should consider the reporting process, including the preparation of their reports, as a way to ensure compliance with their international obligations.

Reports benefit from broad-based consultation and constructive engagement. States parties should encourage and facilitate the involvement of civil society organizations and other civil society actors in the preparation of their reports.